Mazda Just Beat Every Other Car Brand in Safety Awards

Make It Three Straight

Mazda has earned the most Top Safety Pick+ awards from the IIHS this year, marking the third consecutive year the automaker has led the industry. A total of eight models have received the honor so far, surpassing brands like Hyundai and Audi, which have six each.

The list of Top Safety Pick+ recipients includes the 2026 Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda3 Hatchback, CX-30, CX-50, CX-70, CX-70 PHEV, CX-90, and CX-90 PHEV. Genesis ranks fourth with five models, followed by Kia with four, Nissan and Subaru with three each, and BMW and Honda with two each. Infiniti, Lexus, Rivian, Tesla, Toyota, and Volvo each have one winner.

That brings the total to 45 Top Safety Pick+ awardees so far, with 18 other models earning the lower-tier Top Safety Pick – though both awards reflect strong performance in crash tests.

Raising the Bar on Safety

Mazda kept the streak despite the IIHS imposing stricter requirements for earning the 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award. According to the press release, the revised criteria aim to improve crash avoidance and rear-seat passenger protection. The IIHS also requires front crash prevention systems to come standard for a vehicle to qualify for an award.

As such, the Japanese marque noted that all of its new models come standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including Lane Departure Warning and Smart Brake Support.

Since 2008, the company has earned 99 Top Safety Pick awards, 73 of them Top Safety Pick+ honors. Commenting on this year’s eight winners, Jennifer Morrison, director of vehicle safety strategy at Mazda North American Operations, said, “Earning eight Top Safety Pick+ awards shows what happens when you stay true to your philosophy: driving stays engaging, and families stay protected.”

Safety Without the Premium

This year, the IIHS has emphasized that class-leading safety does not have to come with a high price tag. Citing the average new-car price in the U.S., which topped $50,000 last year, the nonprofit noted that more than a dozen models starting under $30,000 earned the 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award.

In Mazda’s own lineup, four 2026 Top Safety Pick+ winners start at under $30,000. They include the Mazda3 at $24,550, Mazda3 Hatchback at $25,550, CX-30 at $25,975, and CX-50 at $29,900, all before destination fees. IIHS President David Harkey said, “They (Mazda) are providing consumers with the best in safety features at a range of prices.”